Rookies Epeli Momo, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Isikeli Rabitu have been named in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua trial match squad against the ACT Brumbies at 7.45pm tomorrow.
This will be their first appearance in the Drua colors ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Development player and Fiji under-20 lock Mesake Vocevoce is also included in the squad for Canberra.
Momo and Vocevoce are in the starting 15 at wing and lock respectively while Armstrong-Ravula and Rabitu are included on the bench.
In the front row Livai Natave is at loosehead, Zuriel Togiatama at hooker and Jone Koroiduadua at tighthead. Big Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta partners Vocevoce in the second row.
Vilive Miramira starts the trial at blindside flanker with the versatile Elia Canakaivata at openside.
Fijian Drua captain Meli Derenalagi will don the number eight jumper.
Peni Matawalu starts at scrumhalf with Kemu Valetini at flyhalf.
Speedster Taniela Rakuro comes on to the left wing to pair Momo.
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre will play at the inside centre for the first time, partnering the blockbusting Apisalome Vota who will be on the outside.
Completing the starting trial 15 is Ilaisa Droasese at fullback. On the bench, Mesulame Dolokoto provides cover for Togiatama at hooker, with Emosi Tuqiri, Meli Tuni and Samuela Tawake as front row replacement.
Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Motikiai Murray will provide back up for the middle and back rows.
Simione Kuruvoli returns in a Drua jersey for the first time since the 2022 season as cover at halfback.
Line-up: Livai Natave, Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Ilaisa Droasese.
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Meli Tuni, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Michael Naitokani, Isikeli Rabitu, Motukai Murray, Samu Tawake
